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August 13 - Public Meeting
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Hello-
When several members of Sustainable Berea attended the recent Fourth U.S. Conference on Peak Oil, we were struck by a shift in the mindset of the 300+ attendees.
Previously, when this group discussed the components of the "perfect storm" -- peak oil, climate change, degradation of ecosystems, U.S. debt...... -- the discussion was in terms of this is coming, how can we stop it, how can we prepare. Now, the consensus is that the perfect storm is here.
Global oil production has peaked, climate is changing rapidly, the US national debt is $9 trillion, and 200 species go extinct every day. And we will now discover what it is like to live with forces that are undercutting the stability of our homes and communities.
But we were also struck by the optimism and upbeat attititude of the conference attendees. They understood the problems more completely than most, but were working to strengthen their communities by growing gardens, starting local businesses, insulating their homes, and installing solar energy systems. Action proved to be an antidote to despair.
Please join your neighbors this Wednesday to learn about Sustainable Berea's projects and become involved in making our households, neighborhoods and community more sustainable.
If you are reading this, youc could be among the 200-plus people who have expressed interest in Sustainable Berea but are not yet members. Approximately 150 people are members of Sustainable Berea. If you are not a member, I hope you will join soon.
One of the speakers at the Peak Oil Conference offered from T.S. Elliot's poem "The Wasteland" the following quote, which she felt summed up the current situation: "Hurry Up Please It's Time."
Best Regards,
Richard Olson